The long-awaited charges against Donald Trump centering on hush money payments to suppress damaging news stories ahead of the 2016 election revealed few new details about a case that prosecutors have probed on and off for five years. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Tuesday that Trump made false records in his family real estate company's books to conceal that he reimbursed his personal lawyer Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment before the 2016 election to a woman who says she had an affair with him.

Hunched shoulders & pursed lips, Trump appears in court | The Trump saga explained

First images of Trump’s historic arrest emerge as former president pleads ‘not guilty’

<p>Multiple couples took&nbsp;wedding vows at a marriage bureau right across the New York courtroom where&nbsp;former US President Donald Trump made a historic appearance on April 4, days after he was criminally charged for allegedly making hush money payments to adult star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-seas-for-donald-trump-why-he-is-in-trouble-and-whats-the-case-about-578933">Stormy Daniels</a>, in the run-up to 2016 presidential polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During Trump's decades-long record as a Republican real estate business magnate, the New York city has witnessed former US president cultivating a reputation as a 'wedding crasher', surprising couples tying the knot at his golf courses with spontaneous speeches on his personal grievances and more.</p>

<p>On April 4, Trump's courtroom appearance lived up to his 'wedding crasher' reputation as it overshadowed the weddings taking place at a marriage bureau across the street where the Supreme Court of the state of New York is located.</p>

<p>Trump was in Manhattan to answer charges related to a hush-money payment to adult&nbsp;star Stormy Daniels, and crowds of protesters, reporters and curious tourists thronged the streets as would-be newlyweds waited for their turn to get hitched.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump arrested on criminal charges</strong></p>

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<p>"I didn't realise it was happening right here," Peter Don, 30, told <em>NBC News</em> as he prepared to declare "I do" at the New York City Marriage Bureau to Monique Beckford Khalia. "It's funny, but it's not going to ruin our day."</p>

<p>"This is our day," added 25-year-old Khalia.</p>

<p>Dominic Lamarco and his spouse had also picked the day of Trump&nbsp;some time in advance and could not have anticipated the spectacle that would play out around them.</p>

<p>Lamarco told <em>NBC News</em> that Trump being formally charged on their wedding day only made the occasion "more joyful."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;videos and anecdotes of Trump's off-the-cuff speeches at weddings at his residence in Florida have continued to go viral since he left office in 2021.</p>

<p>Trump's own marriages have been described as 'Trump society events' by journalist-author Maggie Haberman in her 2022 book, 'Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America'. In January 2005, when he married his current wife Melania Klauss, among the attendees were Bill and&nbsp;Hillary Clinton. "The wedding marked a new phase for Trump’s public life," Haberman writes while referring to the Trump-Melania wedding coming in the wake of the success of <em>The Apprentice, </em>a reality TV series Trump hosted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People on the street embraced him. He was mobbed. All of a sudden, there was none of the old mocking, the old <em>New York Post</em> image of him with the wives and the parties."</p>

<p>Donald Trump has been accused of 'repeatedly and fraudulently' falsifying New York business records to 'conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election', according to statement of facts related to hush money payments case made public by Supreme Court of the state of New York.</p>

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Multiple couples took wedding vows at a marriage bureau right across the New York courtroom where former US President Donald Trump made a historic appearance on April 4, days after he was criminally charged for allegedly making hush money payments to adult star Stormy Daniels, in the run-up to 2016 presidential polls.

Multiple couples took wedding vows at a marriage bureau right across the New York courtroom where former US President Donald Trump made a historic appearance on April 4, days after he was criminally charged for allegedly making hush money payments to adult star Stormy Daniels, in the run-up to 2016 presidential polls. During Trump's decades-long record as a Republican real estate business magnate, the New York city has witnessed former US president cultivating a reputation as a 'wedding crasher', surprising couples tying the knot at his golf courses with spontaneous speeches on his personal grievances and more. On April 4, Trump's courtroom appearance lived up to his 'wedding crasher' reputation as it overshadowed the weddings taking place at a marriage bureau across the street where the Supreme Court of the state of New York is located. Trump was in Manhattan to answer charges related to a hush-money payment to adult star Stormy Daniels, and crowds of protesters, reporters and curious tourists thronged the streets as would-be newlyweds waited for their turn to get hitched. ALSO WATCH | Former US President Donald Trump arrested on criminal charges × "I didn't realise it was happening right here," Peter Don, 30, told NBC News as he prepared to declare "I do" at the New York City Marriage Bureau to Monique Beckford Khalia. "It's funny, but it's not going to ruin our day." "This is our day," added 25-year-old Khalia. Dominic Lamarco and his spouse had also picked the day of Trump some time in advance and could not have anticipated the spectacle that would play out around them. Lamarco told NBC News that Trump being formally charged on their wedding day only made the occasion "more joyful." The videos and anecdotes of Trump's off-the-cuff speeches at weddings at his residence in Florida have continued to go viral since he left office in 2021. Trump's own marriages have been described as 'Trump society events' by journalist-author Maggie Haberman in her 2022 book, 'Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America'. In January 2005, when he married his current wife Melania Klauss, among the attendees were Bill and Hillary Clinton. "The wedding marked a new phase for Trump’s public life," Haberman writes while referring to the Trump-Melania wedding coming in the wake of the success of The Apprentice, a reality TV series Trump hosted. "People on the street embraced him. He was mobbed. All of a sudden, there was none of the old mocking, the old New York Post image of him with the wives and the parties." Donald Trump has been accused of 'repeatedly and fraudulently' falsifying New York business records to 'conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election', according to statement of facts related to hush money payments case made public by Supreme Court of the state of New York. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Wedding crasher' Donald Trump's courtroom appearance overshadows New York weddings

<p>Several lawmakers in the US on Tuesday (April 4) reacted to <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-criminal-charges-in-hush-money-case-579179">former president Donald Trump's arraignment</a></strong>. Trump, 76, was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from three pre-election hush-money cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts. "Not guilty," the former president said when asked how he pleaded.</p>

<p>In a statement, Senator Mitt Romney, a sharp critic of Trump, said he believed that Trump’s character and conduct make him unfit for office, but added that the case was politically motivated.</p>

<p>"Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda. No one is above the law, not even former presidents, but everyone is entitled to equal treatment under the law."<br />
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"The prosecutor’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for criminalising political opponents and damages the public’s faith in our justice system," Romney said, adding that charges and evidence would be duly considered and the outcome decided by a jury with an obligation to fulfil its responsibility with the utmost care and impartiality.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My full statement on the unprecedented and corrupt arrest of President Trump: <a href="https://t.co/yKgfo39pCR">pic.twitter.com/yKgfo39pCR</a></p>
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliseStefanik/status/1643319807813603340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>House GOP Chair Elise Stefanik, a key Trump ally, said that his arrest was shameful and he would defeat this latest witch hunt.</p>

<p>"The American people are smart, and they know this is politically charged and Trump would defeat these charges in court and turn the tables on the Far Left Democrats by exposing their corruption and power," Stefanik added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-not-allow-donald-trump-to-get-away-with-lawbreaking-manhattan-da-579208">Would not allow Donald Trump to get away with lawbreaking: Manhattan DA</a></strong></p>

<p>"Equal justice under the law, unless you’re a Republican running for president," House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some lawmakers also criticised Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg for being politically motivated in his probe of the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Alvin Bragg is a radical left-wing activist abusing his power in an attempt to help Biden remain in office," Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted early Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>GOP Senator JD Vance, who was once a Trump critic, said that Bragg's entire career has been about normalising violent crime.</p>

<p>"Just crazy that he’s bringing this weak case in the middle of a presidential election," Vance wrote on the microblogging site.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alvin Bragg is attempting to interfere in our democratic process by invoking federal law to bring politicized charges against President Trump, admittedly using federal funds, while at the same time arguing that the peoples’ representatives in Congress lack jurisdiction to…</p>
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1643357957164511232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused the Manhattan DA of seeking to interfere in elections.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Several lawmakers in the US on Tuesday (April 4) reacted to former president Donald Trump's arraignment. Trump, 76, was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from three pre-election hush-money cases.

Several lawmakers in the US on Tuesday (April 4) reacted to former president Donald Trump's arraignment. Trump, 76, was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from three pre-election hush-money cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts. "Not guilty," the former president said when asked how he pleaded. In a statement, Senator Mitt Romney, a sharp critic of Trump, said he believed that Trump’s character and conduct make him unfit for office, but added that the case was politically motivated. "Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda. No one is above the law, not even former presidents, but everyone is entitled to equal treatment under the law." "The prosecutor’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for criminalising political opponents and damages the public’s faith in our justice system," Romney said, adding that charges and evidence would be duly considered and the outcome decided by a jury with an obligation to fulfil its responsibility with the utmost care and impartiality. My full statement on the unprecedented and corrupt arrest of President Trump: pic.twitter.com/yKgfo39pCR — Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) April 4, 2023 × House GOP Chair Elise Stefanik, a key Trump ally, said that his arrest was shameful and he would defeat this latest witch hunt. "The American people are smart, and they know this is politically charged and Trump would defeat these charges in court and turn the tables on the Far Left Democrats by exposing their corruption and power," Stefanik added. ALSO READ | Would not allow Donald Trump to get away with lawbreaking: Manhattan DA "Equal justice under the law, unless you’re a Republican running for president," House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan tweeted. Some lawmakers also criticised Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg for being politically motivated in his probe of the case. "Alvin Bragg is a radical left-wing activist abusing his power in an attempt to help Biden remain in office," Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted early Wednesday. GOP Senator JD Vance, who was once a Trump critic, said that Bragg's entire career has been about normalising violent crime. "Just crazy that he’s bringing this weak case in the middle of a presidential election," Vance wrote on the microblogging site. Alvin Bragg is attempting to interfere in our democratic process by invoking federal law to bring politicized charges against President Trump, admittedly using federal funds, while at the same time arguing that the peoples’ representatives in Congress lack jurisdiction to… — Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) April 4, 2023 × US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused the Manhattan DA of seeking to interfere in elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How American lawmakers reacted to Donald Trump's arraignment

Former US President Donald Trump appeared in court on Tuesday where he was formally charged in a criminal case related to hush payments from 2016. After being processed by prosecutors, he was taken to the courtroom to face Judge where he pleaded not guilty to all 34 felony counts which include falsifying business records.

Trump pleads 'not guilty' to 34 felony counts inside a packed courtroom | WION Dispatch

<p>Donald Trump now holds the&nbsp;distinction of being the only former US President to face criminal charges over alleged hush money payments worth $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels. The Statement of Facts released by a New York court&nbsp;says that Trump "repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential elections".</p>

<p>Trump is accused of paying Daniels through a shell company in lieu of her staying mum about their affair, which by official accounts, was at its prime in 2006.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aforementioned revelations became public after Trump appeared at a New York courtroom days after he was indicted in the hush money payments row.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-seas-for-donald-trump-why-he-is-in-trouble-and-whats-the-case-about-578933">Explained | Stormy seas for Donald Trump: Why he is in trouble and what's the case about</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump is now facing the due procedure of law in the United States which his supporters deem as a "Democrat smear campaign". Even now Trump is seen as a Republican front-runner for the 2024 US presidential elections. But at his zenith, Trump's faith in being unreachable by the court of law was even more unshakable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the reality TV series&nbsp;<em>The Apprentice</em>,<em>&nbsp;</em>which Trump hosted, in one particular exchange with American pop personality Howard Stern, the former US president reportedly engaged in "the kind of proudly sexist banter that Trump used as a bonding ritual with other men".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Donald Trump walks into New York courthouse to be arrested</strong></p>

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<p>According to journalist Maggie Haberman's book <i>Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America,</i>&nbsp;Trump talked with Stern about how much he loved sex, the number of partners he had at a single time, the way he liked to wander backstage at his beauty pageants while the contestants were getting dressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You see these incredible looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that," Trump is quoted to have said of his behaviour at the pageants, in the ninth chapter of Haberman's book, titled <em>Asphalt Survivor</em>.&nbsp;</p>

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Donald Trump now holds the distinction of being the only former US President to face criminal charges over alleged hush money payments worth $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump now holds the distinction of being the only former US President to face criminal charges over alleged hush money payments worth $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels. The Statement of Facts released by a New York court says that Trump "repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential elections". Trump is accused of paying Daniels through a shell company in lieu of her staying mum about their affair, which by official accounts, was at its prime in 2006. The aforementioned revelations became public after Trump appeared at a New York courtroom days after he was indicted in the hush money payments row. ALSO READ | Explained | Stormy seas for Donald Trump: Why he is in trouble and what's the case about Trump is now facing the due procedure of law in the United States which his supporters deem as a "Democrat smear campaign". Even now Trump is seen as a Republican front-runner for the 2024 US presidential elections. But at his zenith, Trump's faith in being unreachable by the court of law was even more unshakable. During the reality TV series The Apprentice, which Trump hosted, in one particular exchange with American pop personality Howard Stern, the former US president reportedly engaged in "the kind of proudly sexist banter that Trump used as a bonding ritual with other men". ALSO WATCH | Donald Trump walks into New York courthouse to be arrested × According to journalist Maggie Haberman's book Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America, Trump talked with Stern about how much he loved sex, the number of partners he had at a single time, the way he liked to wander backstage at his beauty pageants while the contestants were getting dressed. "You see these incredible looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that," Trump is quoted to have said of his behaviour at the pageants, in the ninth chapter of Haberman's book, titled Asphalt Survivor. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'I sort of get away with things like that': When Trump claimed he was too powerful to be caught

<p>Former United States&nbsp;president Donald Trump on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which are related to the role played by him in the hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p>However, the prosecutors in the office of the Manhattan district attorney accused Trump of orchestrating the plan to purchase stories which may damage his reputation and trying to keep them under wraps, hence influencing the 2016 presidential election’s result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The defendant, Donald J. Trump, falsified New York business records in order to conceal an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election,” said Chris Conroy, a prosecutor at Trump’s arraignment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Generally falsifying business records is treated as a lesser misdemeanour, but Trump is facing the accusation of committing felony offences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This reflects a more serious crime which can include prison time if he is given the maximum sentence. "At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white-collar cases," said New York City District Attorney Alvin Bragg, speaking about the charges levied against the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Allegations that someone lied, again and again, to protect their interests and evade the laws to which we are all held accountable,” he added. Trump, who had pleaded not guilty in the courtroom, insisted that there was nothing to be answered in the case.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-though-this-could-happen-in-america-donald-trumps-first-remarks-following-arraignment-579220">Never thought this could happen in America: Donald Trump's first remarks following arraignmen</a>t</p>

<h2>What the prosecutors accused Trump of?</h2>

<p>The charges can be traced back to $130,000 hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump’s fixer Michael D. Cohen in the last days of the 2016 campaign. The payment, which Cohen claimed was made by him at the direction of Trump, suppressed the story of Daniels' sexual liaison with Trump.</p>

<p>Later, the money was reimbursed to Cohen by Trump and that’s where the fraud started, claimed prosecutors. The repayment made to Cohen was classified as legal expenses and a retainer agreement was cited in the internal records of Trump’s company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutor claimed that there was no such expense and the retainer agreement was also false. The internal data includes 34 counts of falsifying business records - 11 counts included the checks, 11 are based on monthly invoices that were submitted to the company by Cohen, and 12 include entries in the general ledger for Trump’s trust.</p>

<p>The 34 felony counts filed against Donald Trump are related to the payments recorded as legal expenses in the Trump Organisation that had registered the cheques as "legal fees”.&nbsp;However, Cohen confirmed that they were reimbursements for the hush-money payment.</p>

<p>“The payment records, kept and maintained by the Trump Organisation, were false New York business records. In truth, there was no retainer agreement, and Lawyer A was not being paid for legal services rendered in 2017. The Defendant caused his entities' business records to be falsified to disguise his and others' criminal conduct,” the prosecution case stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Donald Trump becomes first former US President to be arrested</strong></p>

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<h2>Why is it considered a felony?</h2>

<p>Falsifying business records can be seen as a misdemeanour offence. To make it a felony, district attorney Alvin L. Bragg needs to prove Trump’s “intent to defraud” was used to carry out a second crime.</p>

<p>It is still unclear in this case whether Bragg has settled on the specifics of that second crime. In a press conference after Trump’s arraignment, Bragg mentioned various potential underlying crimes, like state election law’s violation that does not allow any conspiracy to promote “the election of a person to public office by unlawful means”. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>How did Trump violate the election laws?</h2>

<p>In a political campaign’s context, money paid to silence a person’s unflattering information can be seen as a campaign donation. In the federal court of campaign violations, Cohen was convicted because he made a payment worth $130,000 to Daniels which exceeded the legal limit of the donation made by an individual to a political candidate, which is $2,700.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bragg alleged that since Trump handled the reimbursements made to Cohen, it violated the state election law of New York “which makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means.”</p>

<h2>Are prosecutors required to convict Trump of a second crime?</h2>

<p>The prosecutors must only prove that Trump had the intent to “commit or conceal” a second crime. Trump doesn’t need to be charged with any second crime, and there is no need to prove that he committed one. However, the prosecutors have not yet revealed what crime or crimes they plan to rely on to elevate the charge to a felony.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What is the maximum sentence if court convicts Trump?</h2>

<p>Trump is facing charges that belong to Class E felonies, which fall under the lowest category of felony offence conducted in New York and a person if convicted, can get a prison sentence of a maximum of four years per count, although if Trump is convicted a judge could sentence him to probation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which are related to the role played by him in the hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which are related to the role played by him in the hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels. However, the prosecutors in the office of the Manhattan district attorney accused Trump of orchestrating the plan to purchase stories which may damage his reputation and trying to keep them under wraps, hence influencing the 2016 presidential election’s result. “The defendant, Donald J. Trump, falsified New York business records in order to conceal an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election,” said Chris Conroy, a prosecutor at Trump’s arraignment. Generally falsifying business records is treated as a lesser misdemeanour, but Trump is facing the accusation of committing felony offences. This reflects a more serious crime which can include prison time if he is given the maximum sentence. "At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white-collar cases," said New York City District Attorney Alvin Bragg, speaking about the charges levied against the former president. "Allegations that someone lied, again and again, to protect their interests and evade the laws to which we are all held accountable,” he added. Trump, who had pleaded not guilty in the courtroom, insisted that there was nothing to be answered in the case. ALSO READ | Never thought this could happen in America: Donald Trump's first remarks following arraignment What the prosecutors accused Trump of? The charges can be traced back to $130,000 hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump’s fixer Michael D. Cohen in the last days of the 2016 campaign. The payment, which Cohen claimed was made by him at the direction of Trump, suppressed the story of Daniels' sexual liaison with Trump. Later, the money was reimbursed to Cohen by Trump and that’s where the fraud started, claimed prosecutors. The repayment made to Cohen was classified as legal expenses and a retainer agreement was cited in the internal records of Trump’s company. The prosecutor claimed that there was no such expense and the retainer agreement was also false. The internal data includes 34 counts of falsifying business records - 11 counts included the checks, 11 are based on monthly invoices that were submitted to the company by Cohen, and 12 include entries in the general ledger for Trump’s trust. The 34 felony counts filed against Donald Trump are related to the payments recorded as legal expenses in the Trump Organisation that had registered the cheques as "legal fees”. However, Cohen confirmed that they were reimbursements for the hush-money payment. “The payment records, kept and maintained by the Trump Organisation, were false New York business records. In truth, there was no retainer agreement, and Lawyer A was not being paid for legal services rendered in 2017. The Defendant caused his entities' business records to be falsified to disguise his and others' criminal conduct,” the prosecution case stated. WATCH | Donald Trump becomes first former US President to be arrested Why is it considered a felony? Falsifying business records can be seen as a misdemeanour offence. To make it a felony, district attorney Alvin L. Bragg needs to prove Trump’s “intent to defraud” was used to carry out a second crime. It is still unclear in this case whether Bragg has settled on the specifics of that second crime. In a press conference after Trump’s arraignment, Bragg mentioned various potential underlying crimes, like state election law’s violation that does not allow any conspiracy to promote “the election of a person to public office by unlawful means”. How did Trump violate the election laws? In a political campaign’s context, money paid to silence a person’s unflattering information can be seen as a campaign donation. In the federal court of campaign violations, Cohen was convicted because he made a payment worth $130,000 to Daniels which exceeded the legal limit of the donation made by an individual to a political candidate, which is $2,700. Bragg alleged that since Trump handled the reimbursements made to Cohen, it violated the state election law of New York “which makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means.” Are prosecutors required to convict Trump of a second crime? The prosecutors must only prove that Trump had the intent to “commit or conceal” a second crime. Trump doesn’t need to be charged with any second crime, and there is no need to prove that he committed one. However, the prosecutors have not yet revealed what crime or crimes they plan to rely on to elevate the charge to a felony. What is the maximum sentence if court convicts Trump? Trump is facing charges that belong to Class E felonies, which fall under the lowest category of felony offence conducted in New York and a person if convicted, can get a prison sentence of a maximum of four years per count, although if Trump is convicted a judge could sentence him to probation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | The 34 felony charges against Donald Trump

Besides Donald Trump, these are the 'criminal' leaders of the world

Donald Trump has arrived in New York city to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money paid to a porn star. The former US President is due to surrender at the Manhattan district attorney's office, and lawyers have argued against letting cameras in the courtroom. Reports say Trump will be fingerprinted prior to appearing before a judge for an arraignment. The 76-year-old republican is seeking to regain the presidency in 2024 and is the first former US President to face criminal charges. Trump's plane arrived at the laguardia airport in New York. He walked alone down a flight of stairs from the plane and climbed into an SUV for a drive in a motorcade. He got out of the vehicle, waved to people behind barricades set up by police for security purposes and walked into Manhattan's Trump tower. A court official said the arraignment was planned for 18:15 gmt on Tuesday.

Trump arrives in New York ahead of surrender, first former US President to face criminal charges

Donald Trump has arrived in new york city to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money paid to a porn star. The former US President is due to surrender at the Manhattan district attorney's office, and lawyers have argued against letting cameras in the courtroom. Reports say Trump will be fingerprinted prior to appearing before a judge for an arraignment. The 76-year-old republican is seeking to regain the presidency in 2024 and is the first former US President to face criminal charges. Trump's plane arrived at the laguardia airport in New York. He walked alone down a flight of stairs from the plane and climbed into an suv for a drive in a motorcade. He got out of the vehicle, waved to people behind barricades set up by police for security purposes and walked into Manhattan's Trump tower. A court official said the arraignment was planned for 18:15 gmt on Tuesday.

U.S. Former President Donald Trump's son-in-law has received hundreds of millions from the Arab world. Democrats have called Kushner out on his ties with the Gulf Nations. Is the Arab World betting on Trump's return as President? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Gulf Nations invest in Kushner's equity firm

Former President Donald Trump has arrived in New York City to surrender himself to authorities after his historic indictment by a Manhattan grand jury. The charges, which are expected to remain under seal until Trump's arraignment Tuesday, relate to his alleged role in covering up hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the days before the 2016 presidential election.

Donald Trump has arrived in New York for his arraignment. What's next?

Donald Trump, the former US president and front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination, will appear in court on Tuesday to be fingerprinted, photographed and formally charged in a watershed moment ahead of next year's presidential election.

'Historic Day' in US as former President Donald Trump heads to Manhattan court to surrender

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels said she was paid the money to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump, 76, at a Lake Tahoe hotel back in 2006. Trump, however, denies having had any such relationship with her.</p>

<p>Trump, the first US president ever to be criminally indicted, will be formally charged Tuesday over the case. He is due to surrender at the Attorney's Office and will likely be fingerprinted before appearing before a judge for an arraignment where he will plead not guilty.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-is-surprisingly-benefitting-from-his-indictment-578730">Trump campaign is surprisingly benefitting from his indictment</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump waved at supporters as he walked into his Trump Tower residence under tight security just before 4:15 pm (2015 GMT) after flying from Florida. Before arriving in New York, the former president took to his social media platform Truth Social and said, "THEY'RE NOT COMING AFTER ME, THEY'RE COMING AFTER YOU -- I'M JUST STANDING IN THEIR WAY!"</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters, two sources said that Trump hired Todd Blanche, a prominent white-collar criminal defence lawyer, and former federal prosecutor, to join his defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blanche and other Trump lawyers on Monday urged the judge not to allow videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment.</p>

<p>Police have been on high alert with security cordons and Secret Service agents outside both Trump Tower and the court in Lower Manhattan. Earlier, NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned that anyone protesting violently would be arrested and held accountable, no matter who they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow our message is clear, is simple: 'control yourselves'," Adams told reporters.</p>

<p>Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return in 2024, is facing several criminal investigations at the state and federal levels over possible wrongdoing. The investigations include his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, his handling of classified documents, and his possible involvement in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.</p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels said she was paid the money to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump, 76, at a Lake Tahoe hotel back in 2006. Trump, however, denies having had any such relationship with her. Trump, the first US president ever to be criminally indicted, will be formally charged Tuesday over the case. He is due to surrender at the Attorney's Office and will likely be fingerprinted before appearing before a judge for an arraignment where he will plead not guilty. ALSO READ | Trump campaign is surprisingly benefitting from his indictment Trump waved at supporters as he walked into his Trump Tower residence under tight security just before 4:15 pm (2015 GMT) after flying from Florida. Before arriving in New York, the former president took to his social media platform Truth Social and said, "THEY'RE NOT COMING AFTER ME, THEY'RE COMING AFTER YOU -- I'M JUST STANDING IN THEIR WAY!" Speaking to the news agency Reuters, two sources said that Trump hired Todd Blanche, a prominent white-collar criminal defence lawyer, and former federal prosecutor, to join his defence. Blanche and other Trump lawyers on Monday urged the judge not to allow videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment. Police have been on high alert with security cordons and Secret Service agents outside both Trump Tower and the court in Lower Manhattan. Earlier, NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned that anyone protesting violently would be arrested and held accountable, no matter who they are. "While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow our message is clear, is simple: 'control yourselves'," Adams told reporters. Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return in 2024, is facing several criminal investigations at the state and federal levels over possible wrongdoing. The investigations include his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, his handling of classified documents, and his possible involvement in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-US president Trump arrives in New York to surrender in hush money case

<p>Former US president Donald Trump is all set to face his arraignment on Tuesday, after getting indicted by a grand jury over hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p>The 76-year-old departed from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and landed in New York on Monday, a day before his court appearance and impending arrest. According to CNN, he is likely to face 34 counts of financial fraud.</p>

<p>The much-awaited court proceedings will begin in the afternoon, where the criminal charges against the former president will be unsealed. He is the first US president to face criminal charges, and is expected to plead not guilty.</p>

<p>"On Tuesday morning I will be going to, believe it or not, the Courthouse," he wrote on Truth Social. "America was not supposed to be this way!"</p>

<p>Here’s what will transpire next in the lead up to his impending arrest.</p>

<p><strong>When will he surrender?</strong></p>

<p>Trump is expected to reach the Manhattan court on Tuesday at 2.15 pm, where he will be arraigned in person. An arraignment is a criminal defendant's first court appearance.</p>

<p>He will be photographed, his fingerprints would be recorded and paperwork for his arrest would be initiated— meaning investigators will check for any outstanding arrest warrants or charges. The whole process will take several hours behind closed doors.</p>

<p>Once that process gets done, he will be considered under arrest and in custody. Throughout the booking process, he will be accompanied by Secret Service agents.</p>

<p>Then, Trump would wait in a holding area or cell until his appearance before a judge. The arraignment will then be open to the public.</p>

<h2>Donald Trump to flies to New York ahead of arraignment</h2>

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<p><strong>Will he be handcuffed?</strong></p>

<p>No. Two of Trump’s attorneys told Reuters on Friday that he will not be handcuffed when he arrives, and plans to plead not guilty.</p>

<p><strong>Will Trump be put on a trial?</strong></p>

<p>It is difficult to speculate when a trial might take place. Once the case is booked and a judge is selected, other things such as the timing of the trial will then be decided.</p>

<p>It is expected that Trump will be released on bail and will then fly home to Florida.</p>

<p><strong>When could Trump be convicted? </strong></p>

<p>The criminal cases in Manhattan typically take more than a year to go to trial, Reuters quoted experts.&nbsp;So Trump’s trial likely wouldn’t be for a while—possibly until the 2024 election season is well underway, or even after the election takes place, which Reuters notes would be uncharted legal territory if Trump were tried on state charges as president or president-elect.</p>

<p><strong>Can he still run for president?</strong></p>

<p>Yes. Even if Trump gets convicted, he won’t get disqualified from running for presidency, according to constitutional experts.</p>

<p>As per the US Constitution, all natural born citizens who are at least 35 years old and have been a resident of the US for 14 years can run for president. Which means that legally, Trump can continue his presidential campaign even if he gets jailed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former US president Donald Trump is all set to face his arraignment on Tuesday, after getting indicted by a grand jury over hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Former US president Donald Trump is all set to face his arraignment on Tuesday, after getting indicted by a grand jury over hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. The 76-year-old departed from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and landed in New York on Monday, a day before his court appearance and impending arrest. According to CNN, he is likely to face 34 counts of financial fraud. The much-awaited court proceedings will begin in the afternoon, where the criminal charges against the former president will be unsealed. He is the first US president to face criminal charges, and is expected to plead not guilty. "On Tuesday morning I will be going to, believe it or not, the Courthouse," he wrote on Truth Social. "America was not supposed to be this way!" Here’s what will transpire next in the lead up to his impending arrest. When will he surrender? Trump is expected to reach the Manhattan court on Tuesday at 2.15 pm, where he will be arraigned in person. An arraignment is a criminal defendant's first court appearance. He will be photographed, his fingerprints would be recorded and paperwork for his arrest would be initiated— meaning investigators will check for any outstanding arrest warrants or charges. The whole process will take several hours behind closed doors. Once that process gets done, he will be considered under arrest and in custody. Throughout the booking process, he will be accompanied by Secret Service agents. Then, Trump would wait in a holding area or cell until his appearance before a judge. The arraignment will then be open to the public. Donald Trump to flies to New York ahead of arraignment Will he be handcuffed? No. Two of Trump’s attorneys told Reuters on Friday that he will not be handcuffed when he arrives, and plans to plead not guilty. Will Trump be put on a trial? It is difficult to speculate when a trial might take place. Once the case is booked and a judge is selected, other things such as the timing of the trial will then be decided. It is expected that Trump will be released on bail and will then fly home to Florida. When could Trump be convicted? The criminal cases in Manhattan typically take more than a year to go to trial, Reuters quoted experts. So Trump’s trial likely wouldn’t be for a while—possibly until the 2024 election season is well underway, or even after the election takes place, which Reuters notes would be uncharted legal territory if Trump were tried on state charges as president or president-elect. Can he still run for president? Yes. Even if Trump gets convicted, he won’t get disqualified from running for presidency, according to constitutional experts. As per the US Constitution, all natural born citizens who are at least 35 years old and have been a resident of the US for 14 years can run for president. Which means that legally, Trump can continue his presidential campaign even if he gets jailed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Will Donald Trump get arrested, will he be handcuffed? Here's what will happen at Manhattan court

Former US president Donald Trump who is likely to appear before a New York court on coming Tuesday, will not be handcuffed when he surrenders to face criminal charges, as per his lawyer. Trump attorney Susan Necheles said the former president will plead not guilty.

Donald Trump to not plead guilty, will not be handcuffed: Lawyer

Donald Trump flew from his estate in Florida to New York ahead of his scheduled court hearing on Tuesday. The former US president faces charges relating to hush-money payments made to a porn star before the 2016 election.

Donald Trump to flies to New York ahead of arraignment

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - McDonald’s Corp. is temporarily closing its U.S. offices this week as it prepares to inform corporate employees about layoffs undertaken by the burger giant as part of a broader company restructuring.

McDonald's temporarily shuts US offices, plans major layoffs | Trending on WION

<p>Michael Cohen, once a close personal associate of former US president Donald Trump, has become a key witness in Trump's indictment and a possible trial. Cohen was once a personal lawyer to Trump as well as a top executive at the latter's real estate business. He has testified twice before the Manhattan grand jury.</p>

<p>The grand jury last week decided to indict Trump,&nbsp;making him first current or former US president to suffer such a predicament.</p>

<p>Trump is in a soup over alleged hush money payment to pornstar Stormy Daniels. Cohen has said that Trump asked him to pay Daniels USD 130,000 to buy her silence over a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump in 2006.</p>

<p>If the case against Trump goes to trial Cohen can be a key witness. Trump has denied that he directed Cohen to pay Daniels. He has also denied having any relations with her.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Hush Money Case: Donald Trump to speak in Florida after arraignment</strong></p>

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<p>Cohen's statements about Trump have been contradictory. The once-loyal Trump associate told Fox News in 2017 that he would "do anything to protect Mr Trump."</p>

<p>But by 2019, Cohen's stance changed. That year, he testified before US Congress and said, "I am ashamed because I know what Mr. Trump is. He is a racist. He is a conman. He is a cheat."</p>

<p>Cohen was hired as the Trump Organization's executive vice president and special counsel in 2007. Before that, the Long Island native and son of a Holocaust survivor worked as a malpractice lawyer and owned a fleet of yellow taxis.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-make-public-remarks-at-palm-beach-tuesday-evening-following-historic-indictment-578342">Trump to make public remarks at Palm Beach Tuesday evening following historic indictment</a></strong></p>

<p>Cohen said in an interview to Reuters that he was hired after he had orchestrated the ouster of the board of directors of a condominium in which he owned an apartment, a board that was trying to remove Trump's name from the building's exterior.</p>

<p>Cohen later advised Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and, as his personal lawyer, remained close to Trump once he became president, though he did not have an official job at the White House.</p>

<h2><strong>The Daniels issue</strong></h2>

<p>The hush money payment to Daniels came to light in 2018. At that time Cohen had claimed that he paid the pornstar with his own money.</p>

<p>He later pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance law violation for paying Daniels, and then testified in Congress that Trump told him to make the payment. He said he was reimbursed in installments, and displayed a copy of a $35,000 check from Trump's personal bank account.</p>

<p>Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for making unlawfully excessive campaign contributions and other crimes, including cheating on his personal taxes and lying under oath to Congress about when the Trump Organization stopped working on a proposed building project in Russia. Cohen served more than a year before being released.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Michael Cohen, once a close personal associate of former US president Donald Trump, has become a key witness in Trump's indictment and a possible trial. Cohen was once a personal lawyer to Trump as well as a top executive at the latter's real estate business.

Michael Cohen, once a close personal associate of former US president Donald Trump, has become a key witness in Trump's indictment and a possible trial. Cohen was once a personal lawyer to Trump as well as a top executive at the latter's real estate business. He has testified twice before the Manhattan grand jury. The grand jury last week decided to indict Trump, making him first current or former US president to suffer such a predicament. Trump is in a soup over alleged hush money payment to pornstar Stormy Daniels. Cohen has said that Trump asked him to pay Daniels USD 130,000 to buy her silence over a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump in 2006. If the case against Trump goes to trial Cohen can be a key witness. Trump has denied that he directed Cohen to pay Daniels. He has also denied having any relations with her. Watch | Hush Money Case: Donald Trump to speak in Florida after arraignment × Cohen's statements about Trump have been contradictory. The once-loyal Trump associate told Fox News in 2017 that he would "do anything to protect Mr Trump." But by 2019, Cohen's stance changed. That year, he testified before US Congress and said, "I am ashamed because I know what Mr. Trump is. He is a racist. He is a conman. He is a cheat." Cohen was hired as the Trump Organization's executive vice president and special counsel in 2007. Before that, the Long Island native and son of a Holocaust survivor worked as a malpractice lawyer and owned a fleet of yellow taxis. Also Read | Trump to make public remarks at Palm Beach Tuesday evening following historic indictment Cohen said in an interview to Reuters that he was hired after he had orchestrated the ouster of the board of directors of a condominium in which he owned an apartment, a board that was trying to remove Trump's name from the building's exterior. Cohen later advised Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and, as his personal lawyer, remained close to Trump once he became president, though he did not have an official job at the White House. The Daniels issue The hush money payment to Daniels came to light in 2018. At that time Cohen had claimed that he paid the pornstar with his own money. He later pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance law violation for paying Daniels, and then testified in Congress that Trump told him to make the payment. He said he was reimbursed in installments, and displayed a copy of a $35,000 check from Trump's personal bank account. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for making unlawfully excessive campaign contributions and other crimes, including cheating on his personal taxes and lying under oath to Congress about when the Trump Organization stopped working on a proposed building project in Russia. Cohen served more than a year before being released. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Who is Michael Cohen? The former Trump ally-turned-nemesis may spell trouble for ex-prez

<p>Prominent US media organisations have written to the New York judge, who is slated to preside over Donald Trump’s arraignment, to unseal the indictment charge pronounced by the grand jury.</p>

<p>Additionally, they have sought permission to broadcast Trump’s imminent appearance in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday for his arraignment.</p>

<p>CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal are among the news outlets who have made the request.</p>

<p>In their letter to Judge Juan Merchan on Friday, they said that “the right of access is at its zenith when applied to the first ever indictment of a former US president.”</p>

<p>“And no higher values are served by keeping the indictment under seal. Aside from the fact that a former US president is not a flight risk, maintaining the indictment under seal, despite the public disclosure of its existence, only fuels speculation as to its contents. Full disclosure of the indictment will enhance both the general public’s and the parties’ right to an accurate public understanding of the charges,” the request said.</p>

<p>“As such, former President Trump’s indictment should be unsealed without delay.”</p>

<p>Though the judge is under no obligation to make the indictment charge public, the contents of it will anyway be revealed when Trump appears in court Tuesday.</p>

<p>Noting the gravity of this proceeding, the media outlets asserted that the “need for the broadest possible public access, cannot be overstated.”</p>

<p>In their letter, the news organizations have requested for a “limited number of photographers, videographers, and radio journalists to be present at the arraignment,” and adding that they are making “this limited request for audio-visual coverage in order to ensure that the operations of the court will not be disrupted in any way.”</p>

<p>The 76-year-old Republican leader is expected to surrender at the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday afternoon, before being arraigned in the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building.</p>

<p>The arraignment is expected to take place in a 15th floor courtroom, where Justice Juan Merchan, a state Supreme Court judge, will hear the case.</p>

<p>The exact charges have not been unsealed, but according to CNN, Trump will most likely be charged in 30 counts related to financial fraud.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Prominent US media organisations have written to the New York judge, who is slated to preside over Donald Trump’s arraignment, to unseal the indictment charge pronounced by the grand jury.

Prominent US media organisations have written to the New York judge, who is slated to preside over Donald Trump’s arraignment, to unseal the indictment charge pronounced by the grand jury. Additionally, they have sought permission to broadcast Trump’s imminent appearance in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday for his arraignment. CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal are among the news outlets who have made the request. In their letter to Judge Juan Merchan on Friday, they said that “the right of access is at its zenith when applied to the first ever indictment of a former US president.” “And no higher values are served by keeping the indictment under seal. Aside from the fact that a former US president is not a flight risk, maintaining the indictment under seal, despite the public disclosure of its existence, only fuels speculation as to its contents. Full disclosure of the indictment will enhance both the general public’s and the parties’ right to an accurate public understanding of the charges,” the request said. “As such, former President Trump’s indictment should be unsealed without delay.” Though the judge is under no obligation to make the indictment charge public, the contents of it will anyway be revealed when Trump appears in court Tuesday. Noting the gravity of this proceeding, the media outlets asserted that the “need for the broadest possible public access, cannot be overstated.” In their letter, the news organizations have requested for a “limited number of photographers, videographers, and radio journalists to be present at the arraignment,” and adding that they are making “this limited request for audio-visual coverage in order to ensure that the operations of the court will not be disrupted in any way.” The 76-year-old Republican leader is expected to surrender at the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday afternoon, before being arraigned in the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building. The arraignment is expected to take place in a 15th floor courtroom, where Justice Juan Merchan, a state Supreme Court judge, will hear the case. The exact charges have not been unsealed, but according to CNN, Trump will most likely be charged in 30 counts related to financial fraud. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US media outlets urge New York court judge to unseal Donald Trump indictment and broadcast proceedings

Hush Money Case: Donald Trump to speak in Florida after arraignment

With barricades and courtroom closings, New York plans for Donald Trump's surrender - see pics

US Republicans have responded to Donald Trump's looming arraignment by characterizing the criminal justice system as corrupt.

Republicans portray US criminal justice system as corrupt to defend Trump

<p>Former Governor of the US state of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, on Sunday (April 2) announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. In an interview with ABC News, following the announcement he also positioned himself as an alternative to former United States President Donald Trump, who was recently indicted by a grand jury in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have made a decision, and my decision is I’m going to run for president of the United States,” Hutchison said to ABC News. He also went on to call for the former president to drop out of the race and added that “the office is more important than any individual person.” Notably, the former governor is the first Republican to announce a campaign after Trump became the first former US president to face criminal charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m running because I believe that I am the right time for America, the right candidate for our country and its future,” said Hutchinson, during the interview. He added that he is convinced that Americans want leaders which will appeal “to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts”. The presidential candidate also said that a formal announcement will be made later this month in Arkansas’ Bentonville.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-make-public-remarks-at-palm-beach-tuesday-evening-following-historic-indictment-578342">Trump to make public remarks at Palm Beach Tuesday evening following historic indictment</a></strong></p>

<p>The 72-year-old former Arkansas governor has now joined other Republican candidates former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy who have also announced their bids for the upcoming presidential election. While other prominent Republicans like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Vice President Mike Pence, are expected to join the race soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Hutchinson left office after serving eight years as the governor of Arkansas and has been a part of the state politics in the 1980s, a time when the state was predominantly Democratic. He also supported incumbent Arkansas Governor and former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ bid for governor, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Former Governor of the US state of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, on Sunday (April 2) announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Former Governor of the US state of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, on Sunday (April 2) announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. In an interview with ABC News, following the announcement he also positioned himself as an alternative to former United States President Donald Trump, who was recently indicted by a grand jury in New York. “I have made a decision, and my decision is I’m going to run for president of the United States,” Hutchison said to ABC News. He also went on to call for the former president to drop out of the race and added that “the office is more important than any individual person.” Notably, the former governor is the first Republican to announce a campaign after Trump became the first former US president to face criminal charges. “I’m running because I believe that I am the right time for America, the right candidate for our country and its future,” said Hutchinson, during the interview. He added that he is convinced that Americans want leaders which will appeal “to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts”. The presidential candidate also said that a formal announcement will be made later this month in Arkansas’ Bentonville. ALSO READ | Trump to make public remarks at Palm Beach Tuesday evening following historic indictment The 72-year-old former Arkansas governor has now joined other Republican candidates former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy who have also announced their bids for the upcoming presidential election. While other prominent Republicans like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Vice President Mike Pence, are expected to join the race soon. Earlier this year, Hutchinson left office after serving eight years as the governor of Arkansas and has been a part of the state politics in the 1980s, a time when the state was predominantly Democratic. He also supported incumbent Arkansas Governor and former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ bid for governor, reported the Associated Press. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson announces 2024 presidential bid

Donald Trump has been indicted. What impact will it have on the 2024 Presidential race? Are the charges credible or is this a witch-hunt? Molly Gambhir explains.

Gravitas Plus: Donald Trump indictment explained

<p>Former US President Donald Trump's indictment has led to his supporters donating altogether $4 million in just 24 hours after the historic news that the 45th US president will face criminal charges, broke out. The fundraising emails were sent out under subject lines like "America needs you right now," "RUMORED DETAILS OF MY ARREST" "BREAKING: PRESIDENT TRUMP INDICTED" and "Yes, I've been indicted, BUT." Moreover, after Mississippi, now many other US states are posed facing the risk of tornado, which has so far injured 24 people in Arkansas state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, Georgia became the first US state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. "Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," the resolution read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-just-24-hours-after-indictment-news-donald-trumps-campaign-raises-over-4-million-577883">In just 24 hours after indictment news, Donald Trump's campaign raises over $4 million</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/01/342422-untitled-design-2023-03-31t215228086.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>In just a matter of 24 hours after indictment news, the former US President, who is seeking to return to the White House again after 2024 elections, raised a whopping $4 million, as per his campaign data Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-24-injured-after-devastating-tornado-hit-us-state-of-arkansas-577880">At least 24 injured after 'devastating' tornado hit US state of Arkansas</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/01/342415-untitled-design-2023-04-01t080139018.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Almost a week after the Mississippi tornado mishap that killed 26 people, fierce twisters are now ravaging Little Rock city in the US state of Arkansas, injuring about 24 people so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-becomes-first-american-state-to-condemn-hinduphobia-passes-resolution-577885">Georgia becomes first American state to condemn Hinduphobia, passes resolution</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/01/342423-copy-of-untitled.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The US state of Georgia and its House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry - becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-asturias-battles-90-wildfires-authorities-claim-blazes-sparked-by-fire-terrorist-arsonists-577876">Spain's Asturias battles 90+ wildfires; authorities claim blazes sparked by 'fire terrorist,' arsonists</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/01/342413-new-wion-7.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Spain is battling more than 90 wildfires that are ravaging the nation's lush region of Asturias. Most of these wildfires are believed to have been intentionally started by arsonists that a leader of the regional government has branded "fire terrorists."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Jennifer Aniston says new generation finds 'Friends' problematic</strong></p>

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Former US President Donald Trump's indictment has led to his supporters donating altogether $4 million in just 24 hours after the historic news that the 45th US president will face criminal charges, broke out.

Former US President Donald Trump's indictment has led to his supporters donating altogether $4 million in just 24 hours after the historic news that the 45th US president will face criminal charges, broke out. The fundraising emails were sent out under subject lines like "America needs you right now," "RUMORED DETAILS OF MY ARREST" "BREAKING: PRESIDENT TRUMP INDICTED" and "Yes, I've been indicted, BUT." Moreover, after Mississippi, now many other US states are posed facing the risk of tornado, which has so far injured 24 people in Arkansas state. In other news, Georgia became the first US state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. "Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred," the resolution read. Click on the headlines to read more: In just 24 hours after indictment news, Donald Trump's campaign raises over $4 million In just a matter of 24 hours after indictment news, the former US President, who is seeking to return to the White House again after 2024 elections, raised a whopping $4 million, as per his campaign data Friday. At least 24 injured after 'devastating' tornado hit US state of Arkansas Almost a week after the Mississippi tornado mishap that killed 26 people, fierce twisters are now ravaging Little Rock city in the US state of Arkansas, injuring about 24 people so far. Georgia becomes first American state to condemn Hinduphobia, passes resolution The US state of Georgia and its House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry - becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure. Spain's Asturias battles 90+ wildfires; authorities claim blazes sparked by 'fire terrorist,' arsonists Spain is battling more than 90 wildfires that are ravaging the nation's lush region of Asturias. Most of these wildfires are believed to have been intentionally started by arsonists that a leader of the regional government has branded "fire terrorists." Watch | Jennifer Aniston says new generation finds 'Friends' problematic ×

Morning news brief: Trump campaign raises $4 million in just 24 hours after indictment news, and more

<p>Former US president Donald Trump who is likely to appear before a New York court on coming Tuesday, will not be handcuffed when he surrenders to face criminal charges, as per his lawyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump's attorney Joe Tacopina told a media portal Friday that the former president "will not be put in handcuffs."&nbsp;Tacopina said no handcuffs is apparently as per an agreement between his defence attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors. Nevertheless, AI has already predicted how Trump will look like like in handcuffs and it is only a matter of days to see what protocols are to be followed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Tacopina&nbsp;added that when Trump, the 45th president of the United States, appears in court, he is likely to be fingerprinted and subjected to other routine procedures.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-10-corrupt-countries-in-the-world-577675">Top 10 corrupt countries in the world</a></p>

<p>Moreover, another Trump attorney Susan Necheles said the former president will plead not guilty.</p>

<p>Trump is facing charges in&nbsp;an indictment handed by a grand jury looking into a hush-money payment made to former porn star Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openais-chatgpt-blocked-in-italy-reports-577685">OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations</a></p>

<p>"I don't know how all this is going to go down," Tacopina said in an interview adding, "There's no textbook to see how you arraign a former president of the United States in criminal court."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra</strong></p>

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<p>Tacopina said Trump and his defence team were surprised by his indictment. "Initially, we were all shocked. Didn't believe they were actually going to go through with this because there's no crime here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accusations are the result of an investigation headed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and comes as Trump vies for the GOP presidential nominee for the 2024 election. The specific&nbsp;charges&nbsp;are not yet disclosed because the indictment is still under seal. Trump is the first former US president to be charged with a&nbsp;crime. However,&nbsp;he maintains his innocence and has said he won't withdraw from the presidential race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden made no comments on latest Trump developments as he spoke to reporters while leaving the White House to visit tornado-ravaged Mississippi.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former US president Donald Trump who is likely to appear before a New York court on coming Tuesday, will not be handcuffed when he surrenders to face criminal charges, as per his lawyer.

Former US president Donald Trump who is likely to appear before a New York court on coming Tuesday, will not be handcuffed when he surrenders to face criminal charges, as per his lawyer. Trump's attorney Joe Tacopina told a media portal Friday that the former president "will not be put in handcuffs." Tacopina said no handcuffs is apparently as per an agreement between his defence attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors. Nevertheless, AI has already predicted how Trump will look like like in handcuffs and it is only a matter of days to see what protocols are to be followed. However, Tacopina added that when Trump, the 45th president of the United States, appears in court, he is likely to be fingerprinted and subjected to other routine procedures. Also Read | Top 10 corrupt countries in the world Moreover, another Trump attorney Susan Necheles said the former president will plead not guilty. Trump is facing charges in an indictment handed by a grand jury looking into a hush-money payment made to former porn star Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 campaign. Also Read | OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations "I don't know how all this is going to go down," Tacopina said in an interview adding, "There's no textbook to see how you arraign a former president of the United States in criminal court." Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra × Tacopina said Trump and his defence team were surprised by his indictment. "Initially, we were all shocked. Didn't believe they were actually going to go through with this because there's no crime here." The accusations are the result of an investigation headed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and comes as Trump vies for the GOP presidential nominee for the 2024 election. The specific charges are not yet disclosed because the indictment is still under seal. Trump is the first former US president to be charged with a crime. However, he maintains his innocence and has said he won't withdraw from the presidential race. Biden made no comments on latest Trump developments as he spoke to reporters while leaving the White House to visit tornado-ravaged Mississippi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump will not be handcuffed, to plead not guilty on surrendering: Lawyer

Former US President Donald Trump is in trouble again. Trump will be the first former US president to face criminal charges. A grand jury in New York has voted to indict Trump. The indictment relates to a hush-money payment made on his behalf to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

What does Donald Trump’s indictment mean for his 2024 Presidential bid?

New York grand jury indicted Donald Trump over hush money payments made to a porn star during his 2016 campaign, making him the first former US president to face criminal charges.

Hush money case: New York grand jury indicts Donald Trump

New York grand jury indicted Donald Trump over hush money payments made to a porn star during his 2016 campaign, making him the first former US president to face criminal charges. Donald Trump reacted to becoming the first ex-president in US history to be indicted by going on his social media platform Truth Social and blasting the "Thugs and Radical Left Monsters" he said are responsible.

Donald Trump first ex-US president to be criminally charged

Donald Trump reacted to becoming the first ex-president in US history to be indicted by going on his social media platform Truth Social and blasting the "Thugs and Radical Left Monsters" he said are responsible.

Trump blames 'corrupt Democrat prosecutors' for his indictment

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Trump arrives in New York ahead of surrender, first former US President to face criminal charges

Trump arrives in New York ahead of surrender, first former US President to face criminal charges

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Morning news brief: Trump campaign raises $4 million in just 24 hours after indictment news, and more